Real estate developer, owner and operator Dominus has submitted fresh plans for a new student living scheme on Stratford High Street that will transform the currently vacant and closed-off brownfield site.

Designed by award-winning architects Metropolitan Workshop, the plans are for a student housing-led scheme providing 692 beds, with 35% offered at affordable rents capped by the Mayor of London. The 31-storey building includes living spaces with en-suite bedrooms, landscaped roof terraces, large kitchen and dining spaces, as well as space for a gym, yoga studio, laundry and media room.

The improved public realm, designed by landscape architects, Spacehub, will significantly enhance the street level environment and pedestrian experience, while delivering a range of community benefits including a new, improved pub to act as a community hub, new outdoor spaces and greening of part of Stratford High Street.

Located at 302-312 Stratford High Street, the site is a five-minute walk from Stratford Station, offering excellent connectivity to central London. It is within walking distance of several universities with a combined total of more than 27,000 students, including University College London East, London College of Fashion, and the University of East London. Research by Cushman and Wakefield reveals that over 10,500 students are unable to access a bed space in Newham, putting pressure on the local housing market.

In March, the Planning Inspectorate denied Dominus’ appeal against the London Legacy Development Corporation’s refusal to grant permission for a 34-storey scheme. Following this decision, Dominus appointed a new project team to rework its plans, in consultation with Newham Council and its Quality Review Panel, to design a scheme that positively responds to the local context and delivers a range of community benefits.  

Dominus is currently on-site delivering more than 2,300 student beds – 35% of which will be affordable – across three schemes in London: 65 Holborn Viaduct, 65 Crutched Friars and 65 Fleet Street.

In June, Dominus celebrated the completion of Scape Hammersmith, its first PBSA scheme, delivered in partnership with Scape. The 713-bed development is the first in London to deliver 50% Affordable student accommodation, which will be taken up by Imperial College London students, under the London Plan 2021.

Edward Law, Planning Associate, Dominus, said: “Our reworked plans would transform the closed-off and vacant brownfield site to deliver much-needed student homes, a new, improved pub and significant improvements at street level. Working closely with our new project team, we have engaged in constructive discussions with local stakeholders, including Newham Council and the community on our vision for the site.”

Luke Dewey, Associate Director, Metropolitan Workshop, said: “This project will undoubtedly bring new energy to the area and generate important footfall for businesses along this part of Stratford High Street. Public realm improvements will complement the wider regeneration ambitions of LB Newham’s Carpenters Estate, while the new building will provide high-quality student accommodation.”